Cannabis as Medicine: More Than Just THC

Cannabis has long been recognized as having medicinal properties by both the scientific and medical communities, and is one of the most researched subjects in history. There are over 483 known compounds in the plant, as well over 85 different cannabinoids isolated thus far, with those numbers ever increasing. Our bodies are filled with cannabinoid receptors, and we naturally make endocannabinoids to promote our own health. There are even endocannabinoids passed from mother to child through breast milk! Here is a brief introduction to what science currently believes are the most medicinally beneficial compounds found in marijuana:

THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol)- The most widely known constituent of marijuana, and also the one most responsible for the high that users feel.

Reduces nausea and vomiting

Relieves Pain

Stimulates Appetite

Suppresses muscle spasms

THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)- the precursor to THC. THCA is converted to THC through a process called decarboxylation, where a CO2 molecule is cleaved from THCA through the process of drying and curing marijuana, or exposing it to high heat. While THCA may be a prodrug to forming THC, it is a less-psychoactive, medicinally valuable compound in its own right.

Aids sleep

Inhibits cancer cell growth

Suppresses muscle spasms

8-THC (delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol)- an analog of THC, with much lower psychoactivity.

Relieves pain

THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)- a cannabinoid that actually blocks the effects of THC.

CBD (Cannabidiol)- The heaviest hitter of the medicinally beneficial compounds found in marijuana. It doesn’t lend itself to the user getting high, and in recent years, marijuana strains have been bred to possess high CBD, and low THC, giving maximum medical benefit while minimizing the characteristic high. Because of this, high CBD strains are prized among the medical marijuana community, while having very little value on the recreational market. I find this compound intriguing, as it possesses a myriad of beneficial health effects, and I would love to research CBD’s effects when taken daily as a preventive, holistic supplement in healthy people.

Antibacterial

Inhibits cancer cell growth

Neuro-protective

Promotes bone growth

Reduces seizures and convulsions

Reduces blood sugar levels

Reduces function in the immune system

Reduces inflammation

Reduces risk of artery blockage (inflammation is the triggering event in developing atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries)

Each of these compounds could have been elaborated upon for many pages, and there are dozens more that I didn’t mention, as well as those we have yet to discover. Marijuana has been proven time and time again to be safe, effective medicine, and the scientific evidence has been supporting this for years. When will we collectively decide to end the madness of prohibition, and fully harness all that this wonderful plant has to offer us?